Memphis attorney J. Bailey faces possible suspension

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - A Memphis attorney whose clients are no stranger to the headlines is making news of his own as he faces suspension.

Memphis attorney J. Bailey is no stranger to discipline from the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility. He has been censured and suspended several times.

Bailey faces a hearing later this week on more complaints.

"At this point in time there are negotiations going on. You understand," Bailey said Monday.

According to Bailey, his attorneys canceled the hearing because they are trying to work something out that would lead to his suspension and avoid a hearing. Experts say it amounts to a plea deal.

"I can't get into the details," Bailey said. "The rules prohibit me."

By phone, Bailey's attorney would not elaborate, except to say the complaints involve several of Bailey's clients, and former West Memphis police officer Erik Sammis.

Sammis is the officer who shot and killed 12-year-old Deaunta Farrow three-and-a-half years ago. At the time, Sammis said he thought Farrow pulled a gun on him, but it turned out to be a toy.

Bailey represented Farrow's mother, who wanted criminal charges filed against Sammis. That didn't happen. Later, Sammis filed a complaint with the Board of Professional Responsibility saying Bailey misrepresented the facts and fabricated evidence.

If Bailey is suspended it will likely be for a few years, but he may have other plans. He talks about investment banking on his Facebook page. One aspect might include something he calls Facebook Friends Investment Club.

Meanwhile, Bailey's attorneys are continuing to negotiate a deal. Sammis and Officer Jimmy Ellis, who was with Sammis the night Farrow was shot, are scheduled to go to trial in a civil lawsuit brought by Farrow's family in March.